World Organization of Workers


The World Organization of Workers is an international trade union federation.

History

WOW was founded in September 1921, as the International Federation of Christian Employees' Trade Unions. After several name changes, it became the World Federation of Clerical Workers. The WFCW joined the International Federation of Christian Trade Unions, which was later called the World Confederation of Labour. On October 31, 2006, the WCL was dissolved when it joined with the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions to form the International Trade Union Confederation. Rather than join ITUC, the WFCW decided to function as an independent trade union federation under the name World Organization of Workers.

Malta World Congress

WOW held its first World Congress from November 2 to 9, 2008, in Malta. It was at this conference that the name World Organization of Workers was formally adopted. Also at this conference two resolutions were adopted. The first resolution dealt with Social dialogue, International Labour Standards and Social Justice. The second resolution promoted a new balance within corporate governance structures.

Organization and leadership

Currently, 130 trade unions are affiliated with WOW, representing 1.3 million workers from 60 nations. The president is Wayne Prins, the executive director of the Christian Labour Association of Canada. WOW's headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.
The federation's 2019 congress was attended by the following unions:
  • ASIPA
  • CFTL
  • CGB
  • KOK
  • CNV
  • FCG
  • Krifa
  • Solidarity
  • SS Bofos
  • Vost "Volya"
  • Voice
  • Christian Labour Association of Canada
As of 2025, the World Board comprises:
  • President: Wayne Prins
  • Treasurer: Rolf Weber
  • Vice-President: Mikael Arendt Laursen
  • Vice-President : Wolfgang Pischinger
  • Vice-President : Arturo Fabián Quiñoa
  • Vice-President : Roberto Mejía Alarcón
  • Vice-President : Fermín Víctor Carricarte
  • Vice-President : Koffi Chrysanthe Zounnadjala Agbogbe
  • Vice-President : Nicetas M. Lucero
  • Executive Secretary: Bjørn Anders van Heusden

    Structure

The WOW Congress meets every 4 years, consisting of delegates of affiliated organizations. The European Council meets every 4 years, between the sessions of the WOW Congress. The European Council consists of at least one representative of each European member organization. The World Board meets annually, consisting of at least 6 Vice-Presidents, Treasurer and the World-President. The European Board meets at least 4 times a year.